Cutting Costs

Despite the improving economy, some communities are still facing increased costs associated with the abandoned and foreclosed homes left in disrepair during the economic downturn. They may be faced with the task of maintaining the still-abandoned properties at their own expense, tracking down...

It’s important year round to take measures to conserve energy in the community and educate members about how they can also help with energy conservation. But it has the added bonus of helping to minimize the typical heating complaints that many managers hear every winter.

Especially in the recent economy, carefully watching costs can pay off in the end—but it can be time consuming. You may be tempted to pay invoices without really examining them, assuming that if you’re working with reputable vendors or contractors that you’ve worked with before...

Communities that have successfully engaged members in recycling often find savings in their waste management costs. In San Diego, for example, the average cost of a trash pickup is $21.50 per Dumpster, while it costs only $10.50 to pick up a recycling Dumpster. If a condo community with 10 trash...

This past winter, you may have received calls from members complaining about inadequate heat in their condo units. Often, these complaints are unfounded or result from easily correctable problems. Provide too much heat, however, and you are just wasting fuel and money. The best bet is to address...

As the number of foreclosures and communities experiencing budget constraints rises across the country, many associations are taking a close look at how they can manage their community in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Some have been forced to increase assessments and cut back on...